Do Not Fear The Reproach Of Men

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

“Listen to me, you who know righteousness,
the people in whose heart is my law;
fear not the reproach of man,
nor be dismayed at their revilings.
For the moth will eat them up like a garment,
and the worm will eat them like wool,
but my righteousness will be forever,
and my salvation to all generations.”

Isaiah 51:7-8 ESV

God’s Word is so awesome.  It is in the Word that we can find the truth of God.  His truth is not dependent on how man feels or think.  His truth speaks of His nature, His character, His warnings, His commands, and His promises.  His Word clearly defines who we are.  His Word tells us who we are in light of who God says we are, not a man says we are.

You, Child of the Most High God, have not been given the spirit of fear but of love and of power and of a sound mind.  His laws are written in your heart, and His unfailing love banishes all fear.  Those who are persecuting and mocking you are mocking the God you serve, and they cannot prevail against you.  They cannot prevail against you because God’s truth always prevails.

Let God deal with those who oppose you.  In the end, remember God’s Word never fades away, and God is your defense.  The wicked do not prosper, and in the end, they will reap the wages of iniquity they have sown for hating God and for hating what is holy.

You need not fear anything when you are walking in obedience to God and when you are doing what He wants you to do.  So keep focused on serving and loving God and let Him fight your battles for you.  After all, the battle belongs to the Lord.  Keep your mind fixed on Him, and He will fill you with perfect peace because you trust in Him.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, You alone are My Defense.  You are my Strength, and You are my Shield.  Lord, help me to always remain steadfast in following You and Your ways.  You are the One who has ordered my steps.  Thank You for being the Shepherd of my Heart.  Thank You, Father, that I am able to sit before a table You set before me in the presence of my enemies.  Thank You for Your truth that always prevails. Your Word says that if I fear You, I need not fear anything else. I do not fear anyone because You have not given me the spirit of fear, but You have given me the spirit of love and of power and of a sound mind.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Linda A. Knowles

STOP BOWING DOWN TO CULTURE

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

“And you shall know that I am the LORD; for you have not walked in My statutes nor executed My judgments, but have done according to the customs of the Gentiles which are all around you.'” -Ezekiel 11:12 (NKJV)

Israel was no different than us today. They were not supposed to be like the other nations. They were not to participate nor were they to conform to the ways of the pagan nations that were all around them.

As the children of God, Israel was not to take on the pagan customs as their own. They were to have nothing to do with pagan religious rituals; They were not to get involved in the pagan religions at all. They were set apart to stand out, not to blend in. They were called to bear fruits of righteousness and holiness.

Today, we like Israel are not to confirm to the patterns, behavior, or customs of this world. We are called to holiness, called to stand out and not to be like the world. We are to follow God’s commands and laws. We are to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God,” (Romans 12:2 NKJV).

GOD HAS ALREADY SET THE STANDARDS SO STOP TRYING TO REWRITE WHAT GOD HAS PERFECTED.

GOD has made it clear in His Word what is right and what is wrong, what is good and what is evil. It doesn’t matter what the culture around you says. It doesn’t matter what the culture around you calls right and wrong. The vain imaginations of men and the world’s philosophies are not approved of GOD.

“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” -Romans 1:21 (NKJV)

If your main goal is to please man in what you do and say, and if you are looking for man to approve what you do and say, then you are not a servant of Christ.

“Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ,” (Galatians 1:10 BSB).

As a child of the LIVING GOD, you have been chosen and called to bear fruit (Reference John 15:16). You have been called to be set apart, to be made holy, to stand for truth, not to bow down to the culture around you.

Linda A. Knowles